Sidwell Street traders' have spoke of their horror after witnessing street drinkers stuff 14 live pigeons into a rucksack - in a cruel act believed to be food-gathering.

PCSO Sarah Giles, part of the city centre's policing team, described the unbelievable incident as part of 'blatant pigeon eating' recognised by police, and has pinpointed a particular group of drinkers responsible.

One anonymous trader said the incident last Thursday, which took place over 20 minutes, was "horrifying" to witness.

It happened in broad daylight, at around 4pm.

She described how she, and passers-by, saw a man known for drinking regularly at the spot, coaxing pigeons with bird seed.

Sidwell Street traders' have spoke of their horror after witnessing street drinkers stuff 14 pigeons into a rucksack in the space of 20 minutes

She said: "It was then his mate would grab the pigeon and stuff it into the rucksack. They managed to get 14 in, even with them flapping about. It was the space of around 20 minutes.

"I was horrified. I know there are too many pigeons and I've never been a fan, but how can you be so cruel to an animal? That to me was cruel.